A

Different sound from previous Tull albums. Originally planned to be a solo album from Ian Anderson, thus contained a different lineup of back-up musicians, with only Martin Barre present from the previous band. This gave Anderson a chance to experiment and play around with sounds and styles not previously associated with the band. Thus this album introduces synthesizers and more electronic keyboards throughout. However, the label insisted that the album be released as a Jethro Tull album, which essentially re-booted the band with a new lineup, leaving John Evan and Dee Palmer now out of the band (drummer Barriemore Barlow had already left, and bassist John Glascock died in 1979). The album opens with a few rock songs in fairly typical Tull style, but then changes abruptly to a much more 'progressive' or 'proggy' style for the next several songs (most notably Black Sunday, Protect and Survive, Batteries Not Included, and Uniform). Actually, this is the most 'progressive' sounding Tull album, and it mostly works, as the synths and prog are used well, and provides an interesting new sound for the band. But then near the end of the album, there is a throwback to the more folky acoustic sound with Pine Marten's Jig (perhaps a leftover track from the previous folk-influenced albums?). Overall, a very interesting departure for the band, blending their established unique style with a more electronic and open-ended progressive approach and style, and Anderson makes the most of it. Best tracks: Black Sunday, Protect and Survive, Batteries Not Included, Uniform, 4 W.D., Pine Marten's Jig. Weaker track: Working John Working Joe. Rating 3.5